The American Institute of Certified Public Accountants (AICPA) and the Chartered Institute of Management Accountants (CIMA) are two prestigious professional organizations in the accounting industry. Both AICPA and CIMA have a long-standing history of promoting and regulating the accounting profession, as well as providing valuable resources and support to their members.
AICPA & CIMA have been instrumental in setting high ethical and professional standards for accountants, such as the Code of Professional Conduct and the International Ethics Standards Board for Accountants (IESBA) Code of Ethics. These codes serve to guide professionals in their decision-making processes, ensuring that they uphold integrity and objectivity in their work.
Are AICPA and CIMA the same?
Meanwhile the AICPA & CIMA have many similarities, but they are not the same organization. AICPA is a professional organization for certified public accountants in the North America, while CIMA is an international professional association for management accountants.
| AICPA | CIMA |
|---|---|
American Institute of Certified Public Accountants |
Chartered Institute of Management Accountants |
Public accounting, auditing, taxation, regulatory compliance |
Management accounting, strategic business management, corporate finance |
Primarily U.S.-centric, with some global influence |
Global, with strong presence in the UK and Commonwealth countries |
CPA (Certified Public Accountant) |
CGMA |
CPAs and accounting professionals in public accounting |
Management accountants and finance professionals (designated as ACMA/FCMA) |
Auditing, tax advisory, financial reporting, regulatory compliance |
Cost management, budgeting, strategic planning, performance management |
AICPA Code of Professional Conduct |
CIMA Code of Ethics (aligned with global standards) |
CPA Exam: 4 sections (REG, AUD, FAR, BEC) |
CIMA Exam: 3 levels (Operational, Management, Strategic) with case studies |
Highly recognized in the U.S.; limited international reciprocity |
Globally recognized, especially in Europe, Asia, and Commonwealth nations |
CPE (Continuing Professional Education) required |
CPD (Continuing Professional Development) required |
Member of IFAC (International Federation of Accountants) |
Part of the Association of International Certified Professional Accountants (with AICPA) |
Co-founder of the CGMA (Chartered Global Management Accountant) designation with CIMA |
CGMA available to qualified members through AICPA collaboration |
Both organizations provide valuable resources and support to their members, but they have different focus areas and membership requirements. AICPA primarily serves CPAs working in public accounting firms, corporations, government agencies, and non-profits, while CIMA provide CGMA designation to management accountants working in businesses of all sizes, including small and medium enterprises.
Are AICPA certificate worth it?
As the AICPA & CIMA continue to be recognized as the leading authorities in the accounting profession, their certifications hold significant value and credibility. Obtaining an AICPA certificate, such as the Certified Public Accountant (CPA) or Chartered Global Management Accountant (CGMA), can greatly enhance a professional’s career prospects and earning potential. In this section, we will discuss the benefits of obtaining an AICPA certificate and why it is worth the investment.
Is AICPA & CIMA Government Agency?
The AICPA & CIMA represents the public interest as the leading national organization for Certified Public Accountants (CPAs) in the United States. While the AICPA is not a government agency, it does have a significant impact on the accounting industry and sets professional standards for CPAs. Similarly, CIMA (Chartered Institute of Management Accountants) is the world’s leading and largest professional body of management accountants, and while it is not a government agency, it also sets global standards for management accounting.
Can anyone join AICPA?
AICPA have 6 membership categories for individuals who aspire to become a CPA or currently hold the CPA designation: Regular, Affiliate, International Associate, Student Affiliate, Candidate and Retired.
Each category has its own requirements and benefits, but in general, any individual who meets the educational and experience requirements set by their state board of accountancy can become a member of AICPA.
However, becoming a CPA requires passing the Uniform Certified Public Accountant Examination (CPA Exam) and if you not yet passed it, AICPA offer some eligibility rules and opportunities to continue your journey towards becoming a CPA.
Recap:
AICPA & CIMA are full of opportunities for accounting professionals at every stage of their career. Whether you are just starting out or an experienced professional, AICPA & CIMA offer a range of resources and support to help you advance in your career and stay up-to-date with the latest developments in the industry. By becoming a member, you not only gain access to valuable educational materials and networking opportunities but also contribute to the overall growth and advancement of the accounting profession.
Sandee Dean is a distinguished financial specialist with over 25 years of experience guiding professionals toward high-impact careers in finance and beyond. A former senior financial advisor and corporate hiring consultant, she merges fiscal expertise with career coaching to help individuals secure their ideal roles. Her work spans resume crafting for financial leadership positions, salary negotiation frameworks, and strategic personal branding, supported by a Master’s in Financial Economics and certifications as a Certified Career Coach (CCC) and Chartered Financial Analyst (CFA®).